Soils provide us with food, store carbon and play a key role in the climate system. Andreas Richter from the University of Vienna is to receive more than ten million euros from the Novo Nordisk Foundation for his research on the microorganisms beneath our feet. We met him to talk about soils, tipping points and the responsibility of science.

Research in Vienna is shedding light on everyday Byzantine life. The Rudolphina spoke with Claudia Rapp, Professor of Byzantine Studies at the University of Vienna, to learn why Byzantium is not a thing of the past, but an ever-evolving field of study.

Democracy runs on doubt, but healthy scepticism can tip into destructive distrust of experts and authorities. In the wake of the COVID pandemic, Brexit and growing political polarisation, University of Vienna researchers Anna Durnová and Vendula Mezeiová explored how doubt becomes political: when do citizens cross the line between constructive scrutiny and rejection of expertise?

Hot days and tropical nights now mark Austria's longest days of the year. What impact does extreme heat have on our mental and physical performance? University of Vienna psychologist Julia Reiter, cognitive scientist Claus Lamm and sports and nutrition specialist Daniel König discuss the science behind heat and health, as well as strategies for adapting to the new normal.

The digital public sphere is changing the way we talk to one another and, as a result, the way democracy works. Where does freedom of expression end and where does hate speech begin? University of Vienna scholars Magdalena Pöschl and Jörg Matthes discuss this in the video.

Democracy can backslide even when most people say they support it. University of Vienna political scientist Marta Vukovic explains why citizens sometimes tolerate democratic violations and what it takes to protect liberal democracy.